Alpine used Haas post-season test as leverage against Ocon
Esteban Ocon was convinced to relinquish his seat with Alpine for F1’s season finale in Abu Dhabi by Flavio Briatore who threatened to block his participation in Haas's crucial post-season test if he refused to step aside.
Ocon has ceded his seat for this weekend’s round of racing at Yas Marina to Jack Doohan who will be part of Alpine’s lineup in 2025 along with incumbent Pierre Gasly.
On Tuesday, Ocon took to social media to express his disappointment, acknowledging that “this is not how I wanted things to end.” He also shared images of a specially designed farewell helmet he had planned to wear for what was meant to be his final race with the team.
It has now come to light that the Frenchman was called into a meeting with Briatore – Alpine’s executive advisor – just hours before the start of last weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix.
During the discussion, Ocon was reportedly informed by Briatore that he needed to agree to an early termination of his contract. If he refused, Alpine would withhold permission for him to participate in Haas’ post-season testing session, scheduled for the Tuesday after the Abu Dhabi race.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, who still manages Ocon’s career, confirmed the two-way discussion.
“There's a contractual relationship that Esteban, and we have with Alpine, on driver services and that contract expires at the end of the year. That's the basis,” Wolff said, quoted in a report by Motorsport.com.
“Then, if you agree that for the benefit of the future, there's a better solution that allows Esteban to get ready early and is better for us, and if that depends on driving or not in Abu Dhabi, I think this is something we discussed.”
However, the revelation that Briatore used next week’s test as leverage to push Ocon aside came as a surprise to Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu, who had previously been assured by his Alpine counterpart, Oliver Oakes, that Ocon’s participation in the post-season test with the US outfit would not be an issue.
"I spoke with Ollie in one of the F1 commission meetings...way before I confirmed it," explained Komatsu at Yas Marina this week, according to Motorsport.com.
"[He said], it's okay, no problem. You can have Ocon driving the car. Then what should we do with the suit? Should we just do it in a white suit? Yeah, that's the simplest, isn't it? Then that was it.
"I'm pretty simple in that sense, that whatever goes on internally at Alpine has got nothing to do with me, right? So for me, Ollie gave me his word, so that was good enough."
While Ocon is clearly disappointed with the abrupt manner in which his tenure with Alpine has concluded, Komatsu doubted the controversial episode will help fuel the Frenchman’s motivation.
"I think he's always been really motivated anyway," said the Haas chief. "That's one of the big reasons why I signed him. He's a really determined character and his work ethic is good - regardless of if the car is quick enough or slow.
"Like at the beginning of the season, when Alpine was absolutely nowhere, I think he was still putting lots of effort in to motivate the team, to try to move the team forward.
“I really respect that. So I don't think motivation has ever been his problem."
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